The artwork titled “Reflective Flesh,” created by Jenny Saville in 2003, stands as a significant piece within the Neo-Expressionism movement. It is categorized within the figurative and nude painting (nu) genres. This artwork reflects a bold exploration of the human form, utilizing a figurative style that captures the depth and rawness of flesh.
“Reflective Flesh” by Jenny Saville is a provocative exploration of corporeality, marked by its oversized, unidealized figures presented in a candid, confrontational manner. The canvas is dominated by the flesh tones and corpulent forms of the subjects, rendered with thick, gestural brushstrokes that emphasize the tactile quality of skin and the physical presence of the bodies. The composition is strategically fragmented and overlaid, creating a sense of movement and depth as if the viewer is witnessing a series of transposed moments or reflections. The subjects’ gazes are direct and unflinching, engaging the viewer in a dialogue about perception, beauty, and the human condition. The technical prowess of Saville is evident in the modulation of light and shadow, which molds the figures into a tangible reality, while also abstracting them into shapes and contours that challenge traditional representations of the nude form. Through “Reflective Flesh,” Saville contributes to the discourse of contemporary art by interrogating themes of identity, vulnerability, and the body’s place within the historical narrative of art.
